For many women, the holiday season brings up more than just festive cheer – it's a time of juggling multiple roles, managing expectations, and holding back a simmering fury that only comes out during baking.
That's exactly what Geena Davis's character, Samantha Caine/Charly Baltimore, embodies in the 1996 action flick "The Long Kiss Goodnight." On the surface, this is an action movie about a woman with amnesia who must rediscover her secret life as an elite killer. However, it's also a film that celebrates domesticity and femininity in a way that feels refreshingly unorthodox.
At its core, "The Long Kiss Goodnight" tells the story of Samantha Caine – a frumpy, pregnant schoolteacher with a penchant for baking – who slowly uncovers her true identity as Charly Baltimore, a deadly assassin. The film's script is peppered with quotable one-liners and memorable scenes, from Charly's impromptu vegetable skewering session to her show-stopping shower scene.
But beneath the explosive action sequences and witty banter lies a deeper commentary on women's roles in society. Charly/Baltimore represents a truth that many women live with year-round – the need to balance multiple responsibilities while holding back a simmering fury that only comes out during the holidays.
For home cooks, bakers, and holiday crafters who pour their hearts into creating festive treats for loved ones, the holiday season can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's a time of frenzied end-of-year work projects followed by evenings and weekends of frantic errands. On the other hand, it's an opportunity to showcase our culinary skills and creativity.
As we navigate these competing demands, Charly/Baltimore serves as a patron saint – a reminder that it's okay to not have all the answers and that sometimes, it's necessary to channel our inner killer to get things done. And when it comes time to indulge in some holiday baking, who knows? Maybe we'll discover a hidden talent for whipping up deadly desserts like Charly's famous Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies.
So this holiday season, as you mix, measure, and bake your way through the festivities, remember that you're not just making cookies – you're creating moments of joy, comfort, and subtle rebellion. And if all else fails, just remember what Charly/Baltimore would say: "Chefs do that."
That's exactly what Geena Davis's character, Samantha Caine/Charly Baltimore, embodies in the 1996 action flick "The Long Kiss Goodnight." On the surface, this is an action movie about a woman with amnesia who must rediscover her secret life as an elite killer. However, it's also a film that celebrates domesticity and femininity in a way that feels refreshingly unorthodox.
At its core, "The Long Kiss Goodnight" tells the story of Samantha Caine – a frumpy, pregnant schoolteacher with a penchant for baking – who slowly uncovers her true identity as Charly Baltimore, a deadly assassin. The film's script is peppered with quotable one-liners and memorable scenes, from Charly's impromptu vegetable skewering session to her show-stopping shower scene.
But beneath the explosive action sequences and witty banter lies a deeper commentary on women's roles in society. Charly/Baltimore represents a truth that many women live with year-round – the need to balance multiple responsibilities while holding back a simmering fury that only comes out during the holidays.
For home cooks, bakers, and holiday crafters who pour their hearts into creating festive treats for loved ones, the holiday season can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's a time of frenzied end-of-year work projects followed by evenings and weekends of frantic errands. On the other hand, it's an opportunity to showcase our culinary skills and creativity.
As we navigate these competing demands, Charly/Baltimore serves as a patron saint – a reminder that it's okay to not have all the answers and that sometimes, it's necessary to channel our inner killer to get things done. And when it comes time to indulge in some holiday baking, who knows? Maybe we'll discover a hidden talent for whipping up deadly desserts like Charly's famous Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies.
So this holiday season, as you mix, measure, and bake your way through the festivities, remember that you're not just making cookies – you're creating moments of joy, comfort, and subtle rebellion. And if all else fails, just remember what Charly/Baltimore would say: "Chefs do that."
I feel you, girl! The holiday season can be so overwhelming, it's like we're trying to juggle a million balls in the air at once. And don't even get me started on the baking - it's like we're expected to create these perfect little treats and make everything look Instagram-worthy while secretly seething with rage 
. But you know what? I think that's totally relatable for so many women out there. It's like, can we just take a deep breath and remember that it's okay to not have all the answers? And when in doubt, channel your inner killer mode (just kidding, kind of 
) and get stuff done! 
i mean, sure it's cool that geena davis's character is like a total boss assassin but come on, let's not forget we're talkin about holiday baking here...it's all about makin some sweet treats for our fave people, not takin out bad guys 
. can we just keep it chill and enjoy the festive vibes without feelin like we gotta be killin' game in the kitchen? 
Like, we're already expected to be super nurturing and caring towards our families, but then there's this whole other expectation of being all festive and perfect. I feel like Charly/Baltimore is a total hero for just owning that frustration and embracing her inner "killer" mode when she needs to 
Charly's baking skills are hilarious but also super relatable - who hasn't had a meltdown in the kitchen while trying to cook for everyone? I'm with Geena Davis' character all the way! 
[GIF of a timer counting down with a martini glass in the corner]
[Meme of a woman juggling multiple roles with cartoonish proportions]
And you know what? Charly/Baltimore is like the ultimate role model because she just rolls with it all and doesn't let anyone bring her down. I love how she balances her tough assassin side with her softer domestic side - it's like, we don't have to be one or the other, right? 
We can be strong and fierce, but also nurturing and caring. And those cookies... who wouldn't want to whip up some deadly desserts?! 
she's literally the ultimate holiday stress management expert 
she's like the ultimate girl boss but also so relatable rn, you feel? like who hasn't felt the urge to just lose it and whip up a killer dessert when things get crazy